The Prime Minister welcomed His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei to Chequers this morning. They agreed to renew a long standing agreement to station UK troops at a garrison in Brunei for a further 5 years. The Prime Minister noted that the garrison enables the UK to provide a permanent presence in South Asia while also providing an opportunity for British forces to undertake extreme environment training.

The leaders also discussed the ongoing work of the international coalition against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – also known as Islamic State, Da’esh or ISIS) in tackling Islamic extremism and providing humanitarian support to those affected. They agreed on the importance of making sure moderate Islam prevailed over extremist ideology and how both countries could continue to work to support this both at home and abroad.

The Sultan discussed Brunei’s preparations for the forthcoming 2019 Southeast Asian Games. The Prime Minister noted that British companies are already working on preparations for the Games and offered any further expertise the UK can offer following the London 2012 Olympics.
​

Notes to editors

The UK has had a contingent of Gurkhas in Brunei since 1962. Following Bruneian independence in 1984, Britain agreed to continue to station an Infantry Battalion in the Sultanate. The agreement is renewed every 5 years.

There are approximately 2,000 British military personnel based in Brunei. This number includes a resident infantry Battalion – which is currently the First Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles, Training Team Brunei – which provides training to members of the British Armed Forces and a small number of British loan service personnel who serve with the Bruneian Armed Forces.